'Un-Australian': Energy Minister Chris Bowen warns against re-selling petrol on Facebook Marketplace for profit
Updated . First published at
Energy Minister Chris Bowen blasted motorists who are hoarding jerry cans of fuel to sell on Facebook Marketplace as "un-Australian" in a stern warning against panic-buying and reselling.
Drivers in Australia have been spotted stockpiling petrol and diesel and advertising them online for inflated prices as E10 fuel skyrockets close to $2.30 per litre.
Several Facebook Marketplace listings advertising jerry cans of fuel have appeared online in the wake of the conflict in the Middle East.
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Chris Bowen said reports of fuel being sold online for an inflated price are "un-Australian". Max Mason-Hubers
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One listing purported to offer two 20-litre cans of 96 premium petrol for $450.
Bowen said there is no reason to stock up on surplus fuel, adding that oil "continues to arrive in Australia as predicted and on schedule".
"I ask Australians: buy as much fuel as you need, no more, no less," Bowen told reporters.
"There are other people, I've seen it on Facebook Marketplace, filling up jerry cans, Bunnings running out of jerry cans… selling fuel at inflated prices.
"That is un-Australian. It's dangerous. It shouldn't be done."
It was clearly a "minority of people" selling fuel on Facebook, Bowen said.
He acknowledged the majority of people buying extra petrol were simply responding to reports of shortages.
The minister said he realised there had been mixed messaging for Australians.
Bowen again repeated that there is no need to panic-buy at the bowser.
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Bowen also warned against panic-buying more fuel than you need as prices increase. Peter Rae
He denied reports that Australia was running out of fuel or that there was any shortage.
"I think the sort of inflammatory 'running out' language – we are nowhere near that. We have minimum stock obligations in place," he said.
He clarified that while Australia still has healthy reserves of fuel, the shipments have not been keeping up with demand, which has spiked due to panic-buying.
"There is no need for panic-buying," Bowen said.
"Is the situation internationally serious? Yes, it is.
"Is Australia's fuel supply currently secure? Yes.
"Are the ships arriving as we expect? Yes. Are there further challenges coming? Well, Australians know that there may be further challenges coming.
"The government's prepared for that. Australia's prepared for that. We hope it doesn't happen.
"What we need to do is be ready for them."
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